China's transportation system is world-class, efficient, and constantly expanding. From ultra-modern metros to high-speed trains reaching 350 km/h, getting around is easier than ever for foreign visitors.

Last updated: November 2025

Metro & Subway Systems

China's major cities have world-class metro systems that are clean, efficient, and affordable. They're the best way to get around urban areas.

Major Metro Systems

  • Beijing: 30+ lines, operates 5:00 AM - 11:30 PM
  • Shanghai: 20+ lines (including maglev), extensive coverage including airports
  • Guangzhou: 20+ lines, modern and well-connected
  • Shenzhen: 18+ lines, integrated with Hong Kong's MTR
  • Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing: 15+ lines each, mature networks in tier-2 cities

How to Use the Metro

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Find a ticket machine: Look for machines with English language options
  2. Select your destination: Touch the station name on the route map
  3. Pay: Insert cash (coins/small bills) or use your phone (Alipay/WeChat Pay)
  4. Collect ticket: Single-journey tickets are usually plastic tokens or cards
  5. Enter through gates: Tap your ticket/card, use mobile payment QR code, or facial recognition
  6. Follow signs: Watch for platform numbers and direction indicators
  7. Exit: Insert your ticket into the exit gate (it will be collected) or use QR code/facial recognition

Metro Payment Options

Single Journey Ticket

Cost: ¥3-10 depending on distance. Buy at machines for each trip.

Transit Card

Rechargeable cards (Beijing: Yikatong, Shanghai: 交通卡). Buy at convenience stores or metro stations with ¥20 deposit.

Mobile Payment

Alipay and WeChat Pay QR codes work at gates. Some cities support NFC phone payments.

Facial Recognition

Register via Alipay/WeChat Pay or metro app for brush-face entry in major cities.

Metro Tips:

  • Avoid rush hours (7:30-9:00 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM) - extremely crowded
  • Security checks are standard - bags go through X-ray machines
  • No eating or drinking on trains (except water)
  • Download offline metro maps before your trip
  • Announcements are in Chinese and English in major cities

High-Speed Rail (CRH & Fuxing Trains)

China's high-speed rail network is the world's largest, connecting major cities at speeds up to 350 km/h. It's comfortable, punctual, and often faster than flying when considering airport time.

Booking Train Tickets

How to Book:

  1. Online (Recommended):
    • Trip.com (English): Easiest for foreigners, accepts international cards
    • China Railway (12306.cn): Official site, Chinese/English, supports international phone numbers
  2. Train Station: Show passport, destination, and preferred time. Bring cash or card.
  3. Hotel/Travel Agency: Small service fee, convenient option

Ticket Classes

  • Business Class (商务座): Spacious, meals included, most expensive
  • First Class (一等座): Comfortable seats, extra legroom
  • Second Class (二等座): Standard seats, best value (recommended for most travelers)
  • Sleeper (卧铺): For overnight trains, various bed types available

At the Train Station

Arrive Early

Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure for security checks and finding your platform.

Bring Passport

Required for all ticket purchases and boarding. Have it ready at security.

Find Your Platform

Check departure boards. Your ticket shows car (车厢) and seat (座位) numbers.

Food & Drinks

Buy snacks before boarding. Trolley service available on trains but limited selection.

High-Speed Rail Tips:

  • Book tickets 15 days in advance (unified预售 period including holidays)
  • Train numbers starting with "G" or "C" are fastest, "D" is slightly slower
  • Seats face forward or backward - specify preference when booking
  • WiFi available on most trains, signal stable for basic browsing and messaging
  • Smoking is prohibited on all high-speed trains

Taxis

Taxis are abundant in Chinese cities, affordable, and safe. However, language barriers can be challenging.

Taking a Taxi

Taxi Tips:

  • Where to find: Taxi ranks at hotels, malls, train stations. Or hail on street.
  • Rates: Starting fare ¥10-14 (varies by city), then ¥2-3 per km
  • Payment: Cash or mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay via QR code in car)
  • Receipt: Always take receipt (发票 fapiao) - includes car details for lost items

Language Tips

Communicating with Drivers:

  • Have destination written in Chinese characters
  • Show address on your phone map app
  • Use translation app to communicate
  • Learn basic phrases: "去这里" (qù zhèlǐ) = "Go here"
  • Most drivers don't speak English - be prepared!

Ride-Hailing Apps

Ride-hailing apps are extremely popular, often cheaper than taxis, and solve the language problem.

Didi (滴滴出行) - China's Uber

Using Didi:

  1. Download: "DiDi" or "滴滴出行" from app store
  2. Register: International phone number accepted
  3. Add payment: Link Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international card
  4. Set destination: App interface available in English
  5. Confirm pickup: Driver's car info and photo shown
  6. Track ride: Real-time tracking, fare estimated in advance

Ride Options

  • Express (快车): Standard cars, most common
  • Premier (专车): Higher-end vehicles, professional drivers
  • Hitch (顺风车): Carpooling, cheaper but slower
  • Luxe (豪华车): Luxury vehicles

Ride-Hailing Tips:

  • Verify car license plate before getting in
  • Payment is automatic through the app
  • Tipping is not expected or required
  • Rate your driver - this helps maintain service quality
  • Use "Express" option for most reliable service

Buses

City buses are cheap (¥1-2 per ride) but can be challenging for non-Chinese speakers. Major cities now offer bilingual announcements and signs.

Using Buses

  • Payment: Exact change (cash), transit card, or mobile payment at card reader
  • Boarding: Usually front door, exit through middle or rear doors
  • Route finding: Use Baidu Maps or Amap app for bus routes and real-time schedules
  • Stops: Bilingual announcements (Chinese/English) in major cities; follow GPS on map app

Bus Alternatives:

For tourists, metro and ride-hailing are usually more practical than buses. Consider buses only if you're comfortable with Chinese language or have a local helping you.

Bikes & E-Scooters

Bike-sharing systems are ubiquitous in Chinese cities, perfect for short trips.

Popular Bike-Sharing Apps

  • Meituan (美团单车): Yellow bikes, integrated with Meituan app
  • Alipay Bike: Unlockable through Alipay app
  • Hellobike (哈啰单车): Blue bikes, good coverage

How to Use:

  1. Download app or use through Alipay/WeChat mini programs
  2. Credit免押 available via Alipay Sesame Credit or WeChat Credit (no deposit needed for most users)
  3. Scan QR code on bike to unlock
  4. Cost: ¥1-2 for 30 minutes
  5. Park responsibly in designated areas

Transportation Strategy

Recommended Approach:

  • Within cities: Metro first, Didi second, taxi third
  • Between cities: High-speed rail for distances under 1,200 km, flights for longer
  • Short distances: Bike-sharing or walking
  • At night: Didi or taxi (safer and more reliable than public transport)
  • To airports: Metro or Didi (cheaper than airport taxis)